In the middle of the forest, where leaves rustled in the wind and sunlight filtered through the canopy, a young man woke up. His breath came in ragged gasps, his mind a blank slate except for his own name and fleeting memories of flashing lights. Panic gripped him as he scrambled to his feet, stumbling through the underbrush in search of water.

At the edge of a clearing, he found a river, its waters shimmering in the sunlight. Heart racing, he leaned over and saw his reflection—a face much younger, with hair the color of ash. Confusion clouded his mind. He looks like a 14-year-old teen.

Lost and disoriented, the young man's mind raced with questions. Where was he? How did he get here? Who am I?

The young man, now recalling his name as Jam and nothing more, struggled to piece together his fragmented memories. His confusion deepened as he grappled with the realization that he didn't recognize his own face, his hair is gray, with unfamiliar clothing, a tunic clothing.

As he pondered his situation, the memory of flashing lights before awakening offered no clear answers. Despite the uncertainty gnawing at him, Jam knew he had to gather himself. With resolve, he pushed aside his fear and exhaustion, standing up to explore the unfamiliar forest.

In the distance, he spotted a figure seated beneath a tree, engrossed in a book. The person had blonde hair and golden eyes, looking to be about 14 years old. Hope surged within him at the sight of another person, a potential source of answers in this situation. Jam hesitated briefly, then approached cautiously, heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

Before Jam could speak, the stranger looked up and asked, "Who are you and where did you come from?"

Jam hesitated, then replied, "My name is Jam, but I don't know where I'm from. I've lost all my memories. I just woke up over there in the middle of the forest."

The stranger looked puzzled. "That's strange. The closest village to this forest is mine, and the others are miles away. Oh, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Alex. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Alex," Jam replied. "I just want to ask, where exactly am I?"

"You really don't remember anything, do you?" Alex said, scratching his head. "We're in Oakenshade Forest. As you can see, there are a lot of trees here. This specific giant tree is my favorite spot to relax after work."

"What kind of work do you do?" Jam asked.

"I gather wood for the village. I'm good at cutting down trees. This forest has plenty of them, so it's my job to manage that," Alex explained.

"I see. Good luck with that. Could you help me with something?" Jam asked.

"Sure, Jam. What do you need?" Alex responded.

"Is there any inn where I could stay in your village? I'm really lost and don't know where to go," Jam said.

"We don't have any inns here because we never have travelers," Alex said. "How about this: after I finish my work, you can stay at my house. My grandparents would be happy to have a visitor, and I can explain your situation to them. Is that okay?"

"Thank you very much! I don't know what to say," Jam replied gratefully.

Alex laughed. "It's fine. We're happy to help. Do you really not remember anything?"

"I really don't remember anything," Jam said.

"I didn't mean to pressure you. Just take your time," Alex said. "Oh, I need to continue my work."

"Where's your axe?" Jam asked.

"I don't need one. Look at this," Alex said. Magic particles began to form in his hands, creating the shape of an axe.

Jam watched in amazement. "It's not an axe, but it looks like one and it's so bright. Could it be...?"

"We have magic here," Alex explained. "Everyone has magic based on elemental affinities. Mine is light, one of the rarest elements, but all I can do is make an axe."

Jam looked at the magic in amazement, speechless as he wondered if he could do it too.

Alex interrupted Jam's thoughts. "Hey, Jam, don't stress. Magic is normal here. Though I don't sense any mana in you. Well, time for me to work. Wait here, and I'll be back soon."

"Okay, Alex. Take care," Jam replied.

Jam sat down under the tree, his mind racing with questions. "Why am I really here? Could I do the same magic even though I have no mana as Alex said?" His thoughts spiraled, and he started to panic. Taking deep breaths, he managed to calm himself and decided to take a nap.

Two hours later, he was gently shaken awake. "Hey Jam, sorry to wake you up. I'm done with my work," Alex said with a smile, carrying a hefty load of wood on his back.

Jam rubbed his eyes and sat up, realizing, "I was hoping my memories would come back by taking a nap. Guess it doesn't work that way."

"I can help you carry those logs," Jam offered.

"Here you go, thanks for the help," Alex replied, handing Jam some wood. "Alright, let's go to my village, Rosewood Village."

As they walked, Jam was surprised by the beauty of the scenery. The birds were chirping, the wind sang gently, and the majestic mountains loomed in the distance. He felt like he could die peacefully at any moment, enveloped by the serene landscape. The trees were tall and sturdy, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze, creating a soothing melody that added to the tranquility of the forest.

As they headed north, Alex asked, "How are you feeling, Jam? Still lightheaded?"

"A little bit," Jam replied. "It's hard. I have so many unanswered questions. I really don't know..."

Alex, puzzled by Jam's situation, said, "It's strange. It's impossible you just woke up in the middle of the forest with no memories. We don't even know you in our village, and it's the closest one to the forest. Hopefully, you'll find answers in time."

"He's so optimistic," Jam thought. "I hope so," he replied.

"We're here, Rosewood Village. Let's drop off the wood first," Alex said. They deposited the wood in the woodshed. "Alright, let's go to my grandparents' house."

As they walked through the village, Jam noticed how lively it was. Kids were playing outside, laughing and chasing each other through the cobblestone streets. Some were playing tag, while others kicked a ball made of tightly wound cloth. The sound of their laughter filled the air, adding to the village's vibrant atmosphere. Villagers greeted each other warmly, exchanging friendly banter as they went about their daily tasks. The village seemed so full of life and community, making Jam feel a bit more at ease.

As they entered the house, an old woman greeted them warmly. "Welcome home, Alex! Are you hungry?"

"I brought a friend, Grandmother. His name is Jam," Alex said.

"Good afternoon, Grandmother...?" Jam hesitated, unsure what to call her.

The old woman laughed. "You can call me Grandmother too. My name is Jessa Miller. Nice to meet you, Jam."

"Nice to meet you too, Grandmother," Jam greeted.

Alex explained Jam's situation, and Grandmother Jessa said, "Poor child, you can stay here as long as you need until you get your memories back. Now, let's eat."

"By the way, where's Grandfather?" Alex asked.

"He must be out fishing," Jessa replied. Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud bang. "I caught a big fish!" a man shouted proudly, laughing.

"Don't scare us like that! We have a guest here," Jessa scolded gently.

Jam panicked, feeling frightened. "Oh, I didn't see you there, kid. Sorry if I scared you. I'm just excited to cook this big fish I caught," the old man said.

"It's okay..." Jam replied nervously.

"Don't be scared. He's always like that when he's excited," Alex whispered to Jam.

"Alright, there will be a feast later. I'll cook this big fish," the old man laughed.

"Sorry about my husband, Jam. We can eat later after he cooks the salmon he caught," Jessa said with a smile.

"I can't wait for you boys to taste my delicious fish meal!" the old man exclaimed proudly, laughing.

"Dinner is ready, boys!" the old man announced a few moments later.

During the meal, Jam was amazed at how delicious the salmon tasted. "This is really good!" he exclaimed.

The old man laughed heartily. "Of course! I'm the best cook in this village!"

"Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Alric Miller. You can call me Grandfather," he added with a chuckle.

"Thank you for the dinner, Grandmother and Grandfather," Jam said shyly.

"I heard about your situation. It's unfortunate that you've lost your memories. It's dangerous out there; there are many demons that could tear you apart," Alric said, startling Jam.

"Demons exist?!" Jam exclaimed, shocked.

"Oh, Alex didn't tell you?" Alric looked puzzled. "Well, he has a lot on his plate right now. I didn't want to stress him out more, especially since he doesn't even know who he is," Alex interjected.

"Don't worry, Jam. Relax here at our house. Treat this place as your home. You're always welcome here," Jessa reassured him kindly.

"I'm very grateful for everything," Jam replied sincerely.

"Now, let's continue eating!" Alric declared, his laughter echoing through the room.

After dinner and helping with chores, it was time to go to bed.

"Jam, my dear, Alex will show you to your room. There's a spare one upstairs. Make yourself comfortable," Jessa said warmly.

"Thank you for everything, and sir, thank you for the dinner," Jam said gratefully.

"Hey, call me Grandfather! I'm old!" Alric laughed heartily.

"Okay, Grandfather! Goodnight, everyone," Jam said as he followed Alex upstairs.

As they walked up, Alex smiled. "See? I told you they would welcome you like family."

"Thanks for everything, Alex. In exchange, I can help cut down trees," Jam offered.

"Are you sure you're up to it?" Alex asked.

"Yes, but I'll need a real axe," Jam replied.

Alex chuckled. "Alright, wake up early tomorrow. We'll start early. I have an idea. The person who collects the most wood by the end of the month wins and the loser has to treat the winner."

"Challenge accepted!" Jam declared proudly.

Three months later, in the woodshed...

"Cut me some slack, Alex! You keep winning, and I've got no savings left!" Jam exclaimed in frustration.

"You accepted the challenge, Jam. You have to face the consequences," Alex smirked.

"Fine!" Jam handed over the rest of his savings.

"It feels like you're cheating with your magic while I have none," Jam grumbled.

"It's been three months, and I still don't sense any mana in you. It's unusual," Alex noted.

"Does everyone really have magic?" Jam asked curiously.

Suddenly, a young girl interrupted them. "How's your head, Jam? Have you regained your memories?" she asked. Her name was Senna, and she was the same age as Jam and Alex, working as a nun at the local church. She had been treating Jam since learning about his situation because her elemental affinity was light magic, making her a healer who could treat injuries and wounds but not cure diseases.

"Are you worried about Jam?" Alex teased Senna with a smirk on his face, causing her to blush.

"N-No!, I'm not! It's my duty as a healer to treat people, and I want my magic to awaken so I can be like my sister!" Senna retorted defensively.

"Okay, okay, no need to get so worked up," Alex chuckled.

"I'm fine, Senna. Don't worry about me, though my memories haven't returned. Thank you," Jam reassured her with a smile.

"Just come to me if you need anything, okay? I'll be around," Senna said before leaving.

"Oh she's blushing, alright, let's head home, Jam," Alex suggested.

"Okay!" Jam agreed.

As they approached the house, they noticed the door was open. Alex cautiously peeked inside while Jam started cleaning the front yard. Inside, Alex saw a chilling scene, blood covered the floor, and a tall, dark figure in old, ragged armor and a cloak stood over Alric and Jessa, slowly stabbing them.

The dark figure noticed Alex, its eyes glowing red. Alex shouted, "JAM, GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE AND CALL FOR SENNA!" Jam panicked and rushed inside the house, freezing in fear as he saw the scene unfold.

Alex brought out his bright axe, swinging it at the dark figure with all his might and anger, but the figure dodged effortlessly. It whipped Alex with a dark, sinister tendril, sending him crashing through the window.

Jam stood paralyzed, unable to move, his mind blank with terror. The dark figure then began to grow wings on its back, grotesque appendages forming slowly, looking like blood-soaked strands with no feathers.

With a swift, terrifying motion, the figure tackled Jam, causing him to scream in pain as they flew onto the roof. The dark figure threw Jam with brutal force, causing him to hit his head on the roof before he continued to fall, eventually passing out from the impact.

As Jam regained consciousness, flashes of his past memories flickered before him—fragmented scenes of a rainy night in a car with an unfamiliar yet somehow familiar woman at the wheel, followed by blinding lights. His head throbbed under the bandages as he woke up in bed, disoriented and panicked as the memories began to piece together.

Realization dawned on him—he wasn't from this world. He recalled snippets of his childhood, but the memories were incomplete, leaving him shattered and confused. Unable to bear the weight of uncertainty, he collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed by emotion.

The sudden crash caught Senna's attention downstairs, and she raced upstairs, frantic. "Jam, are you okay?!" she exclaimed, seeing him curled up in distress. Jam's tears flowed freely as he had a breakdown, murmuring repeatedly, "Who am I? Who am I?"

His thoughts returned to the horrifying incident with the dark figure. He blamed himself for freezing, unable to save Alex and his family. "Alex and his family died because of me," he cried out in anguish.

Senna embraced him tightly, trying to soothe his anguish. "It's not your fault, Jam. Alex is alive," she reassured him gently.

"What about his grandparents? Are they still alive?" Jam asked desperately, clinging to a faint hope.

Senna shook her head sadly, and Jam's heart sank further as he realized the extent of the tragedy. He wept uncontrollably, mourning the loss and struggling to come to terms with the harsh reality of his new world.

A few minutes later, Jam fell asleep while Senna continued to comfort him. Alex arrived at the house, and Senna went downstairs to meet him.

"How's Jam, Senna?" Alex asked, his voice filled with concern.

"He had a breakdown a while ago. I think some of his memories came back, but he wouldn't say anything yet," Senna replied.

"Thanks for the help, it means a lot," Alex said gratefully.

"No problem. How are you feeling lately?" Senna asked, noticing the anger in Alex's eyes.

"I'll kill that fucking monster, no matter what," Alex said, clenching his fists in anger.

"Are you going to the city? If they won't let you in because we're peasants, just ask for my sister. I'm sure she knows you," Senna suggested.

"Oh, that's right. She's an adventurer. Thanks for everything, and please thank the whole village for helping us," Alex said.

"It's nothing. I hope and pray that you have a safe journey. I'll make sure to tell everyone that you send your regards. When will you leave?" Senna asked.

"Maybe tomorrow..." Alex said, determination in his voice.

"Good luck, Alex. I have to go now. Goodbye," Senna said, offering a supportive smile before leaving.

Alex watched her go, feeling a mix of gratitude and determination. He knew the road ahead would be dangerous, but he was resolved to avenge his grandparents and protect those he cared about.

The next morning, Jam woke up feeling lightheaded. He noticed his right knee was dislocated but partially healed by Senna. Although not completely fixed, he knew he needed to rest. He saw crutches beside him, picked them up, and went downstairs. He found Senna cooking a meal.

"Good morning, Jam. I made you breakfast. Come down and eat," Senna greeted him with a smile, though worry lingered in her eyes. When she noticed Jam using crutches, she added, "Sorry that my healing magic wasn’t enough to fully heal your knee."

"It's alright, thanks for everything, and I'm sorry for not doing anything," Jam apologized, feeling useless.

"Hey, I told you it's fine. Just eat your breakfast. Here you go," Senna said, placing a plate in front of him. As Jam ate, he asked, "Where is Alex, Senna?"

"About that, he asked me to give you this letter," Senna responded, handing him a folded piece of paper. Jam read the letter, discovering Alex’s plans to become an adventurer.

"So he wants to become an adventurer? He left this morning?" Jam asked.

"Yes," Senna answered.

A few minutes later, Jam stood outside, staring at the tombstone of Alex’s grandparents, mourning their loss. Fully aware now that he wasn’t from this world, he felt lost. He turned to Senna and asked, "May I know the name of this world?"

"I thought Alex told you. It’s Eryndale," Senna responded.

Jam pondered for a moment, then spoke, "I need to find out how I ended up here. But that also means…" He looked at Senna. "Senna, I've decided to go with Alex."

"What?! But it's danger—" Senna began, but Jam interrupted.

"I need answers, Senna. My memories came back, at least a little part of them. I’m not from this world, that’s all you need to know. I still don’t know everything about myself, but I remember some things from my childhood. That’s why I need to go."

"Wait, you're not from here? What do you mean by that?" Senna asked, confused.

"It seems like I got transported here, but I don’t know how it happened. That’s why I need answers," Jam explained.

Senna looked hesitant but nodded in support. "Okay, but please be careful. You still don’t have any magic and can’t defend yourself."

"I’m aware of that. That’s why I’m going to follow Alex," Jam said.

"Wait, I forgot to mention something. They won’t allow peasants into the city," Senna warned.

"Why is that?" Jam asked, confused.

"The prince declared it after his brother, the king, was killed by a peasant. That’s why," Senna explained.

"So how will Alex get into the city?" Jam asked.

"My sister Selene is an adventurer with the Shadow Blades guild. She knows Alex and can help him. But you haven’t met anyone there, so how will you get in?" Senna asked.

"I’ll find a way. I need answers," Jam said determinedly.

"Okay, I’ll support every decision you make. Just be very careful, please…" Senna said worriedly.

"I’ll be fine, I promise. I’ll come back in one piece," Jam reassured her.

"That’s good to hear…" Senna said. Then she asked, "When will you leave?"

"Tomorrow," Jam said.

"What?! Your leg hasn’t healed yet, you idiot! Wait until it’s healed!" Senna scolded him angrily.

Jam laughed, patting Senna’s head. "Yes, I will rest."

Blushing, Senna rushed back inside the house. Jam looked back at the tombstone and said, "Thank you for these past few months. I hope you rest in peace, Grandma and Grandpa." He then went to rest.

One month later, Senna called out, "Are you ready, Jam? The carriage is already outside!"

"Yes, just a minute. I’m looking for the gift. Ah, there it is," Jam said.

"Hurry up, Jam. They're waiting," Senna urged.

Jam hugged Senna. "Thanks for everything. I’ll be back," he said.

"You better come back," Senna replied shyly.

Jam waved goodbye to Senna, the kids, and the villagers as he left Rosewood Village. He wondered what the future held for him as he set out on his journey.

Flashback

"Senna!" Jam rushed to Senna's room, clutching his crutches and hobbling on his broken leg.

"What!?" Senna responded, shocked.

"I have an idea. Your sister is an adventurer, right?" Jam asked.

"Well, yes," Senna responded.

"How about you give something to your sister, and I’ll be the messenger so I can get inside the city? How about that?" Jam suggested.

"Hmm, that could work, I guess," Senna responded. "Alright, I'll give her a gift and some letters to update her on what’s going on in this town. She needs to know. Make sure you meet her. I miss her."

"Yes, I promise," Jam responded.

Present

Jam held the gift up while staring at it. "I wonder what is inside this gift," he mused. "Hey, old man, do you know where we're headed?" Jam asked the driver of the wagon.

"We're headed north, but first we have to pass through the mountains and just hope we don’t run into any monsters. After the mountains, there will be a small forest ahead, then we will arrive at the main city, Elysoria," the coachman responded.

"Hmm, how many days do you think it will take?" Jam asked.

"Maybe about a week, I guess. We might run into monsters," he responded.

"Well, that would be very unlucky," Jam said, worried.

Traveling to the City

The scene switched from night to day as they headed north. They passed through the mountains, and the wagon’s wheel broke down, but they fixed it and continued their travels. At night, they had a campfire while eating dinner, and the old man and Jam talked. One week later, they arrived at the city.

Arriving at Elysoria

The city was breathtaking. Birds flew overhead, and the massive gate with high walls was surrounded by water. The scene was picturesque, with greenery and the distant mountains adding to the beauty.

As they approached the gate, a guard stopped them to inspect the carriage. "What is your purpose for coming here?" the guard asked.

"I am a messenger for one of the adventurers in the guild called 'Shadow Blade.' Her name is Selene. Her sister Senna asked me to give her this," Jam responded, showing the gifts and letters that Senna gave him.

The guard seemed busy, talking to other guards. "Let them in!" he shouted.

Inside the City

Once they entered the city, Jam was awestruck by the grand buildings and bustling streets. The architecture was magnificent, with rich people walking around, and their children playing near a fountain at the center.

The old man dropped Jam near the fountain where the children played. Jam started to wander around, looking for the guild. He approached an old woman and asked, "Excuse me, do you know where the Shadow Blade's place is?"

"Don’t talk to me, peasant!" the old woman spat at Jam’s foot.

"Motherfucker!" Jam shouted angrily as the old woman wandered off. He took a deep breath and sighed. "It’s just an old woman. Don’t get so worked up. Damn, this is hard," Jam thought.

After roaming around for 30 minutes, Jam returned to the fountain and sighed. "This is so tiring. I want to go home," he muttered, feeling the stress weighing him down. Desperate for a place to rest, he headed to an inn near the fountain. When he saw the price for a stay, he was shocked.

"Five gold coins for one night?! Are you kidding me?" he thought, dismayed. "Might as well sleep on the floor outside."

Determined to find his way, Jam approached the innkeeper. "Excuse me, sir, do you know where the Shadow Blade's place is?" Jam asked.

"You're new here, kid. Haven't seen you around. Anyway, just head outside of the gate and go south. You'll find a black mansion with a black gate," the innkeeper replied.

Jam's eyes filled with hope. "Thank you, mister innkeeper!" he said gratefully.

The innkeeper laughed. "You're welcome, kid. Oh, I forgot to tell him..." he murmured as Jam rushed outside, heading south.

When Jam arrived at the black gate, he felt a wave of nervousness wash over him. "How do I do this..." he overthought, staring at the imposing mansion and the small forest behind it. As he pondered, a wolf suddenly appeared, growling at him with a sinister look.

The wolf, standing at 5'5", towered over Jam, sending a chill of fear through him. Jam, nervous and unsure, could only clutch his meager belongings—a bunch of clothes and a small pouch. "STAY BACK, YOU BASTARD!" he shouted, trying to sound brave.

The wolf, enraged by Jam's defiant shout, lunged forward and sank its teeth into Jam's left arm. Jam screamed in agony, desperately holding onto the wolf’s head to prevent further injury. With a violent jerk, the wolf threw Jam against the gate. He hit the gate hard, landing on his back with a jarring impact. His arm was bleeding profusely.

Desperate and in pain, Jam fumbled for his metal fork, his only weapon. As the wolf charged at him again, Jam braced himself, tears threatening to spill from the intense pain. He prepared for a final, hopeless stand with his pathetic fork.

Suddenly, a figure appeared out of nowhere—a person clad in a red cape and a hood, wielding a scythe. With a swift, effortless motion, the person sliced through the wolf’s head, engulfing it in a burst of red flame. The wolf collapsed, its threat extinguished.

Jam, still reeling from the shock and pain, tripped and fell to the ground, screaming as the agony intensified.

The person in the red cape hurriedly carried Jam to the mansion, his screams of pain echoing through the air. Once inside, the figure gently laid Jam on a bed and called out urgently, “Selene! I need help here!” The voice was unmistakably young and feminine.

Jam, wracked with pain and disoriented, thought in his agony, "A girl?!"

Selene, a figure of urgency and concern, leapt from the third floor and rushed to Jam’s side. “What happened, Rhea?” she asked, her face a mask of confusion and worry as she assessed Jam’s injuries.

Rhea, the figure in the red cape, explained, “It’s my fault. I let a Dark Wolf escape, and this guy became its target…”

Before Selene could respond, Jam let out a sharp scream.

Selene quickly observed, “It looks like there’s acid in the wolf’s saliva.” Without hesitation, she cast a healing spell over Jam’s injured arm.

As the soothing magic began to work, Jam's consciousness wavered, and he passed out, his body finally succumbing to the exhaustion and pain.